An estimated 9.7 million people visit Minnesota State parks each year, the vast majority of them in the warmer months between April and November. While the colder months bring lower temperatures and lower attendance rates, a stay at one of the state’s 67 parks is well worth it. We bundled up and made our way to Sibley State Park for two nights of winter camping last year.
Sibley offers heated camper cabins. This means you’ll stay toasty warm. The cabins have overhead lights and several electrical outlets. However, with the exception of coffee pots and crock pots, all your cooking needs to be done outdoors. While a stay in a camper cabin offers a few creature comforts, the cabins do not have running water. You’ll have to bring your own and come prepared to use the nearby vault toilets. Don’t forget your headlamp.
Outdoor adventure at Sibley is just steps away from the cabins. We took advantage of the nearby trails for snowshoeing in the morning. We spent the afternoon at the sledding hill. The hill was fast and fun with the new-fallen snow. A nearby warming house gave easy access to restrooms and a chance to warm up between runs.
Though it gets dark early while winter camping, you don’t need to pause adventure. The after-dinner hours were spent nighttime sledding by headlamps. Of course, a camping trip is not complete without s’mores. Winter camping just means you’ll do it in a parka.
Our boys loved winter camping at Sibley State Park. For more on Minnesota State Park winter adventures, check out our posts on Cuyuna Country Recreation Area and Glendalough State Park.
Happy Adventuring, Rochelle